Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç and a delegation chaired by the Minister of National Education Nazım Çavuşoğlu carried out officials talks in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan. The delegation consisted of Prof. Dr. Mehmet Ali Yükselen, the Rector of European University of Lefke (EUL); Behçet Çelebi, the Director of Higher Education and Foreign Relations Department at the Ministry of National Education; Ufuk Turganer, the Ambassador and Baku Representative of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus; and Counsellor Ulaş Kıvılcım.
Official Visits Held in Azerbaijan
Within the scope of Azerbaijan visit, the delegation paid a courtesy visit to the resting place of Haydar Aliyev-the late President of Azerbaijan-, Şehitler Hiyabanı-the Martrys’ Lane- and the Turkish Martyrs’ Memorial, placing a wreath and paying their respects. Then, an inter-delegations meeting was held with the Azerbaijani Minister of Science and Education Emin Emrullayev at the Azerbaijan Ministry of Education.
During the said meeting, the discussion focused on key areas including increasing student enrolment from Azerbaijan at universities in Northern Cyprus, strengthening cooperation between institutions, developing joint academic programs, facilitating faculty exchange, and promoting collaborative research efforts.
“We Support Student Mobility”
Delivering a speech during the visit, EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç highlighted the importance of collaborative efforts to strengthen ties between the two nations. Prof. Dr. Kılıç reaffirmed EMU’s full support for the initiatives of the Ministry of National Education of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, particularly in enhancing student mobility and fostering academic cooperation. Prof. Dr. Kılıç also expressed his pride and satisfaction regarding the development of educational partnerships with Azerbaijan, in alignment with the vision and outreach strategies of President Ersin Tatar and Prime Minister Dr. Ünal Üstel. He extended his appreciation for their valuable contributions to promoting both EMU and Northern Cyprus more broadly.
“Concrete Steps for the Future of the Youth”
In his remarks, Minister Çavuşoğlu emphasized the close fraternal bond between the people of Azerbaijan and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Çavuşoğlu stated that the purpose of the visit was to strengthen bilateral ties and foster connections between Azerbaijani and Turkish Cypriot youth. He shared that efforts are in progress to appoint an education attaché and highlighted the concrete steps being taken to support youth education. Underscoring the importance of positioning universities as appealing destinations for international students, Minister Çavuşoğlu concluded by reaffirming the Ministry of National Education’s support for expanding scholarship opportunities and enhancing the quality of higher education.
Azerbaijan’s Minister Emrullayev Emphasizes Willingness for Educational Cooperation
Azerbaijan’s Minister of Science and Education, Emin Emrullayev, expressed his satisfaction with the visit and affirmed their readiness to fully support collaborations in the field of education.
As part of the visit, Minister Çavuşoğlu and EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç also held a meeting with members of the Azerbaijani media, where they provided insights into their ongoing engagements. Prof. Dr. Kılıç shared EMU’s vision for internationalization and outlined the educational opportunities offered to Azerbaijani students.